Selective circuit system and remote control



A. R. LOCKE Sept, 13, 1932. SELECTIVE CIRCUIT SYSTEM AND REMOTE CONTROLRe, 18593 Original Filed Sept. 1. 1920 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 an wv &. Ill

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A. R. LOCKE Sept. 13, 1932. SELECTIVE cmcum SYSTEM ANQ REMOTE CONTROLRe. 18,593

Original r11 Sephl. 1920 s Sheets-Sheet 5 "Inn-l Reisaued Sept. 13, 1932UNITED STATES ALBERT B. LOCKE, OF OAK PARK, ILLINOIS SELEUI'IVE CIRCUITSYSTEM AND REMOTE OONTROL Original No. 1,638,774, dated August 9, 1927,Serial No. 407,380, filed September 1, 1920. Application for reissuefiled June 25, 1928. Serial No. 288,214.

terior of a theatre, in accordance with the production or play beingpresented therein, although the invention has many and varied uses aswill be apparent to one skilled in the art.

1 An object of the invention is to rovide a system by which a pluralityof com inations of lights, or groups of lights for a scene, may beset-up in independent circuits, to be subsequently energized and whichare noninterfering under any condition of operation and which may beselectively energized in any desired order.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a system in which aplurality of lighting circuits are selectively controlled by a pluralityof individual switches which are so distributed in independent circuitsthat these switches may be pre-set in closed position and subsequentlyenergized in any desired order by means of separately operable switcheseach of which controls a plurality of said individual switches.

Another object is to provide a system, as described in which theposition of the switches, of a group oi: switches ma be used to visuallyindicate the character 0 set-up instead of employing pilot larrps forthe purpose.

A further object is to control each group of closed switches, by whichthe set-ups are made to control the circuits formed by a selectivenumber thereof, in the specific groups, by use of a master switch andcolor or sub-master switch,

A still further object is to provide a system in which a full complementof scenes for an entire show, or play, may be set-up at any time priorto the beginning of the show, and switched in and out in any order inwhich they may be required, and which set-ups may remain on the pilotboard and used, as occasions arise, without change, for any desiredperiod of time. The set-ups being made ready before they are required,no time is lost in shifting from one scene of illumination to another,at the time when variations in efi'ects are needed.

Heretofore, remotely controlled systems of distribution of thischaracter, commonly in use are confined to necessity of disconnectingone set-up, or order of circuits, before another set-up, or order ofcircuits, can be made. The present invention permits the possibility ofsetting up a number of circuits by the use four set-up board isschematically illustrated.

It is to be clearly understood, however, that the present invention maybe constructed in such a manner that any desired number of set-ups maybe made in advance, and the switch boards may be constructed toaccommodate any desired number of individual colors or combinations ofcolors or individual i or combination set-ups.

In order that my system of remote control and electrical distributionmay clearly be understood I have illustrated herein and will brieflydescribe several well known types of switches and relays but theinvention herein is not specifically concerned with the particulardetails of their construction. They are merely shown as means to an end,for the purpose of rendering the following description more readilyunderstood.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a schematic arrangement of circuits and the controllingpilot switches arranged in groups and sub-groups, and while thecontactor switches are shown adjacent the pilot switches, for clearnessof disclosure, they are in practice preferably located on a board remotefrom the pilot switches, as more clearly shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1, shows the arrangement of cirloo ' cuits, shown generally inFigure 1, and in which two groups of switches and lamps are connectedand in which two coil contactors are diagrammatically shown.

Figure 2 shows a fragmentary schematic arrangement of circuits of thepilot board and also an arrangement of circuits and the instruments of aswitch board, which in a physical embodiment is located at a pointremote from the pilot board, in which two circuits of the pilot boardcontrol directly one contactor of a series of contactors, or automaticlight switches, for opening and closing a circuit containing electriclights.

Figure 3 shows a contactor common to two or more circuits of the pilotboard with intervening relays, there being one relay for each circuit.

Figure 4 is a modification of Figure 2, showing a contactor or switchindividual to each circuit of the pilot board in which two switchescontrol the same set of lights.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a light switch or a contactor having onecoil for controlling both legs of a light circuit.

Figure 6 is a section taken on line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a section taken on line 7-7 of Figure 5.

Figure 8 shows a contactor having two coils, either of which, whenenergized, will operate the contactor for closing three legs of thelighting circuit.

Figure 9 shows a similar cont actor with three coils, any one of whichcoils will operate the switch for closing two legs of a circuit.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a conventional relay, and,

Figure 11 is a side elevation of the relay.

In all the views the name reference characters are employed to indicatesimilar parts.

It may be well to first describe in general terms a ,contactor orcircuit closing switch, and the relays illustrated before taking up adescription of the circuits in which these instruments as an agency maybe employed for carrying the invention into effect.

In Figures 5 and 6 a central coil is provided with terminals 21 and 22to which relatively small wires from the pilot board may be connected,for the purpose of energizing the coil. The coil is provided with arelatively stationary core 23, and a movable circuit closing armature24, which is pivoted, as at 25 to a shaft, which extends on either sideof the pivotal point, as at 25, Figure 7. The contacting arms, 26 and27. are connected to the shaft 25 by means of yoke pieces 28, held inplace by the nuts 29. Each of the arms carries a contact member 30,connected by a flexible cable 31 to a terminal 32 of the device. Whenthe coil 23 is energized and the armature 24 attracted the contacts and30 are closed and, therefore,

circuit will be completed from the terminal 32 thru the cable 31,contacts 30 and 30, and through the standards 34 to the binding post 33,or the other terminal of the contactor or switch, and lamps connectedthereto are lighted. The contactor, shown in Figure 8, is provided withtwo coils 20 and 20. When either of these coils is energized the arms24, of which there are three, close their respective circuits asdescribed, which may be three legs of a three wire system.

Figure 9 shows a similar contactor, or switch, having three coils 20,20, and 20*. Any one of these coils when properly energized, will causethe arms 26 and to move downwardly and complete their respectivecircuits as heretofore described.

Figures 10 and 11 are plan and elevational views, respectively, of arelay, which may be employed intermediate the switches of the pilotboard and the contactors which they control.

The relay shown in Figures 10 and 11 is provided with a magnet coil 35which is directly connected to wires leading from the pilot switches, asby the terminals 47 and 48. \Vhen a pilot switch is closed through asuitable source of current supply, the relay coil 35 will be energizedand the armature 37 thereof will be attracted to the core 36, therebycompleting the circuit between the contact members 40 and 43. The lattermember is mounted upon a standard 44 which is con nected to the terminal45 of the relay. The binding posts 45 and 46 are connected in suchmanner as to control the circuit through the coil 20 of the contactor,or light controlling switch. The armature 37 of the relay is pivoted asat 39 and is provided with a rctractile spring 39, which moves thearmature when the coil 35 is (IE-energized.

In the diagram Figure 1, showing the pilot board. there are three majorgroups of switches for as many different colored lights, groups 50, 51,and 52, for controlling the. white lights, the red lights, and the bluelights. respectively. extended to include a larger number of majorgroups for controlling lights of other colors. or lights or devices ofother description or character.

Each of the major groups contains a plurality of subgroups which I havenumbered 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. There may be more or less. Eachof the switches of the subgroups I have indicated by the referencecharacters a to i, inclusive. The current supply mains, I have indicatedby the reference characters M-iand ltl, respectively. Between the mainM+ and the series of major groups of switches there extends vertically aseries of master switch mains, which I have indicated by the referencecharacters 54, 55, 56, and 57, there being one of these mains for asmany sub-groups 1, 2, 3, 4, as are contained in one of the major groups50, 51,

These groups may be a 52. Like sub-group switches 58 to 59 of each majorgroup are connected to a given master switch main 54 to 57. The firstvertical line of switches a of all the groups, which may be termed avertical group of switches a if so desired, controls the white,

red, and blue foot lights; the second vertical line or group of switchesb in the major groups control the same character of lights in theproscenium; the third vertical line of switches of the respectivesub-groups, in fourth (l the border lights number 2, the fifth a borderlights number 3, and so on.

I have indicated the lamp lighting switches or contactors by thereference character S and the relays, which, in some instances, may beused as intermediaries for controlling the contacting switches, by thereference character R. In Figure 1, there is shown branch wires orlighting-circuit-control conductors 58 to 69, inclusive, from the mainM+ connected through the respective relays R to the switches of therespective sub-groups, in parallel.

In Figure 3, the relays R are shown located near the contactors orswitches S, though they may be located as shown, on or nearer the pilotboard, or in any desirable location. In Figure 3, one terminal 48 of therelay is shown connected direct to the branch wire 62, which is a branchof the main M+, as shown in the second major group 51 in Figure 1. Theother terminal of each of the relays is connected to one terminal of oneof the switches a to a, inclusive, in consecutive order.

The color switches are indicated by CW for the white lights; GB for thered lights and CB for the blue lights and there is a color switch foreach sub-group of switches on the pilot board. The switches a to 2",inclusive, of each group, have like contacts connected to' a common wireor scene-control conductor, these wires or scene control conductorsbeing designated 58 to 69', inclusive and respectively. These wires areconnected to the respective color switch, as by wires 58 to 69,respectively. The master switch mains 54, 55, 56, and 57, are connectedto one terminal of the color switch of sub-groups, master switch main 54is connected to the color switch of subgroup 4, of each of the majorgroups, as at 70, 71, and 72. Master switch main 55 is connected to thecolor switch of sub-group 3, of each of the major groups, as at 74, 75,and 76. Master switch main 56 is correspondingly connected as at 77, 78,and 79, and master switch main 57, as at 80, 81, and 82. In thisinstance, there are four separably operable master switches 54, 55',56', and 57', one for each of the master switch mains. Each of thesub-groups of switches when closed thru the color switch and thru themaster switch preferably energizes an independent relay to control acontractor, or energizes an independent coil of the contactor. Thus alland any of the switches a in group 50 control the white footlights. Theswitches in the same vertical alignment in group 51, independentlycontrol the red lights of the foots, and similar switches of group 52control the blue lights of the foot lights. In other words, the verticalgroup of switches (I control the foot lights, vertical group b, theproscenium lights, and so on.

The arrangements of circuits is such that there is no interference andno sneak cir- Units are established in the use of the system.

The operation of the system is substantially as follows: Assume that itis desirable to produce a scene in which there is required the whitefoot lights, red proscenium lights, and the blue lights of bordernumber 1. Switch a of any of the sub-groups of group 50 is closed, saysub-group 1. Switch 6 of subgroup 1 of group 51 is closed and switch 0of sub-group 1 of group 52 is closed and the corresponding colorswitches 80, 81, and 82, are closed. The set-up is now ready. \Vhen thisset-up is to be brought into service the master switch 57' is closed,which will energize the circuits of the set-up and light the lampscontrolled thereby.

It will now be apparent that any other combination may be formed byclosing other switches of the sub-groups 2, 3, or 4, and their colorswitches to 79, leaving the inaster switches 54', 55', or 56 controllingthe new combination, open until the illumination is required. It will beapparent, therefore that the lights for one scene may be cut out andthose for a new scene brought into use by merely opening one masterswitch and closing another.

Assuming that switch 03 of sub-group 1 in an active set-up is closed andit is desired to light the same lamps in the second inactive set-u thesame switch in another sub-group may we closed without in any wayaffecting the circuit controlled by the first switch.

A set-up, to be subsequently used, should be made by switches in likesub-groups, of the several groups controlled by a master switch which isat the time open. By this means there is no leak or sneak current, passing from one set-up to another. A set upto be subsequently used,however, may contain switches that control circuits already in use in aprior set up in which event, in the transition of one set-up to theother the lamps controlled thercby are not extinguished. Furthermore, aplurality of set-ups may be energized at one time, or any part of oneset-up may be retained in circuit with a subsequently energized set-upmaking many desirable combinations. A set-up to go dark requires onlythat its controlling color switch be opened. The set-up is notnecessarily de stroyed by extinction of the lamps which it controls asit may be preserved and used again without adjusting any of the-switchesexcept the controlling color master.

The switches, including the switches a; to i in each sub-group and thecolor and master switches, indicate clearly by the position of a partthereof or in connection therewith, customarily'the switch handle,whether or not they are in closed position, and if closed, they clearlyindicate the combination establishedbytheinactiveset-ups. In otherwords, by observing the positions of portions of the switches a to i, anoperator can readilyv ascertain exactly which lighting circuits will beenergized upon the closing of a color or master switch. The positions ofthe portions of the switches are as readily observable as pilot lamps,and hence pilot lamps, which heretofore were the only means used forthis purpose, need not be provided.

It is manifest from the foregoing disclosure that a large number ofnon-interfering combinations or setups may be established, in thepractice of the system, that may be subsequently energized andcontrolled by use of one or the other of the master switches and that:in some examples, more than one master switch may be used to control aset-up.

I am aware that many changes may be made and numerous details ofconstruction may be varied through a wide range without departing fromthe principles of this invention and I, therefore, do not purposelimiting the patent granted thereon otherwise than necessitated by theprior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. An electric current control system having in combination a pluralityof current supply circuits; switches, one individual to each currentsupply circuit and each switch having a pair of windings whichseparately can close a given associated switch; a plurality of pairs ofmanual switches, the switches of each pair controlling respectively theenergization and deenergization of the two windings of a given associateelectro-magnetic switch and a master switch to close circuit throughlike closed manual switches of all of the pairs.

2. An electric current control system having in combination a pluralityof current supply circuits; a plurality of eiectro-magnetic switches,one individual to each current supply circuit and each switch having a.pair of windings which separateiy can close a given associate switch; aplurality of groups of manual switches; each group comprising aplurality of pairs of subgroups, like switches of each pair ofsub-groups controlling the energization and dcenergization of theelectromagnetic windings, respectively, and a master switch controllingeach sub-group.

3. An electric current control system having in combination a pluralityof current supply circuits; a plurality of electro-mag- T neticswitches, one individual to each current a plurality of electromagneticsupply circuit and each switch having a plurality of windings, whichseparately can close a given associated switch; a plurality of groups ofmanual switches, like switches of the groups arranged in sub-groups, andcontrol ing the energization and deenergization of the respectivewindings of a given electromagnetic switch common to a given currentsupply circuit; a master switch controlling each sub-group and a switchcontrolling like sub-groups of each group.

4. An electric current control system having in combination a pluralityof current supply circuits; a plurality of electro-magnetic switches, aplurality of which control the same current supply circuit, and eachswitch having a plurality of windings which separately can close a givenassociate switch; a plurality of groups of manual switches, each groupdivided into a plurality of subgroups; there being as many sub-groups ina given group as there are windings for controliing a given currentsupply circuit; and a masterswitch for each sub-group.

5. An electric current control system having in combination a pluralityof groups of current supply circuits; a plurality of groups ofelectro'magnetic switches for controlling the respective circuits, oneswitch individual to each current supply circuit and each switch havinga plurality of windings which separately can close a given associateswitch; a plurality of groups of manual switches, the switches of eachgroup arranged inaplurality of sub-groups and like manual switches ofthe sub-groups, of all of the groups, controlling circuits common to agiven group of circuits by closing circuit through the respectivewindings and a master switch for each of the sub-groups.

6. An electric current control systemhaving in combination a pluralityof groups of current supply circuits; a plurality of groups ofelectro-magnetic switches for controlling the respective circuits, oneswitch individual to each current supply circuit and each switch havinga plurality of windings which sepa rately can close a given associatedswitch; a plurality of groups of manual switches, the switches of eachgroup arranged in a plurality of subgroups, and like manual switches ofthe sub-groups of all of the groups controlling circuits common toagiven group of circuits by closing circuit through the respectivewindings; a master switch for each of the sub-groups and another masterswitch for each sub-group controlling, respectively the master switchesof like subgroups of each of the groups.

7 An electric current control system having in combination a pluralityof current supply circuits; a plurality'of electro-magnetic switches aplurality of which control the same current supply circuit; a pluralityof groups of manual switches divided into sub-groups like switches ofeach sub-group of all the groups controlling the respective currentsupply circuit by energizing respective electromagnetic switches, and amaster switch for each sub-group of manual switches.

8. In combination, a plurality of lighting circuits, a source of energytherefor, a plurality of groups of means for controlling said lightingcircuits, each lighting circuit being energizable by a plurality ofswitch means each in a different group, said means being pre-settableinto closed position, and separably operable means connected to each ofsaid groups for selectively connecting the closed means of each of saidgroups to said source of energy and energizing the lighting circuitscontrolled by any group regardless of the combination of lightingcircuits controlled by any other group.

9. In an electrical illuminating system, a source of energy, a pluralityof lighting circuits, a plurality of groups of switch means forcontrolling said li hting circuits, each of said lighting circuits eingenergizable by a switch means in a plurality of said groups, each of theswitch means in said groups being pre-settable in closed position forenergizing certain of said lighting circuits without interference withthe circuits controlled b any other of said switch means, and means orselectively connecting any of said groups of switch means to said sourceof energy.

10. In a theatre-lighting system, the combination with a supply circuithaving a plurality of separately operable switches and a plurality ofload circuits, and means including a group of presettable switches foreach load circuit, each of which is associated with a differentseparately operable switch for selectively connecting any of said oupsof source to each preselected group 0 lightin circuits whereby desiredcombinations of said lighting circuits may be preselected for a seriesof scenes and whereby the circuits of each selected combination may beenergized independently of the circuits for preceding or subsequentscenes.

11. In a theatre-lighting system, the combination with a plurality ofload circuits and a supply circuit, of means including a plurality ofswitches for each load circuit, each of which is associated with adifi'erent separately operable switch for selectivel controlling theconnection of said supp y circuit to said load circuits whereb a seriesof desired combinations of said 10a circuits for successive scenes maybe preselected and whereby the circuits of each of said combinations maybe energized independently of the adjustment for preceding scenes.

12. In combination with a plurality of load circuits, a plurality ofgroups of switch means therefor, a means common to the switch means ineach group for controlling the energization of that group, certain ofsaid circuits controlled by load circuits being connected to certain ofsaid switch means, and a means individual to each switch means adaptedto indicate whether actuation of its said control means shall causecurrent to flow through said switch means.

13. In combination in a theatre-lighting system, a plurality of groupsof switch means, a source of electric energy, a common means forcontrolling the energization of the switch means of each group, aplurality of lighting said switch means, a common connection from eachlighting circu t to a switch means of a plurality of groups, and a meansindividual to each switch means adapted to indicate whether actuation ofits said control means shall cause current flow through said switchmeans.

14. In combination in a theatre-lighting system, a plurality of groupsof switch means, a source of electric energy, a common means forcontrolling the energization of the switch means of each group, aplurality of lighting circuits controlled by said switch means, a commonconnection from each lighting circuit to a switch means of a pluralityof groups, and presettable means individual to each switch means wherebydesired com: binations of said lighting circuits may be pre-selected fora series of scenes and where by the lighting circuits of each selectedcombination may be energized without disturbing the adjustment forpreceding or subsequent scenes, and adapted to indicate Whetheractuation of its said control means shall cause current flow throughsaid switch means.

15. In a theatre-lighting system, the combination with a plurality ofload circuits and a supply circuit having a plurality of se arately oerable switches for controlling t e supply of current to the said loadcircuits, of a plurality of switch means connected in common to eachload circuit and individually to a different first said switch and whichmay pre-set the load circuits for energization in pre-selected groupswhereby different preselected groups of load circuits may be energizedupon the closure of different separately operable switches.

16. In a theatre-lighting system, in combination with a plurality ofload circuits and a supply circuit having a plurality of separatelyoperable switches for controlling current to the load circuits, of aplurality of switch means connected in common to each load circuit, theswitch means of each load circuit being associated with a differentseparately operable switch and each of which may be pre-set to energizeits associated load circuit independentl of any other circuit when itsassociate separately operable switch is closed.

17. A combination comprising a plurality of load circuits, a source ofenergy therefor,

a plurality of means pre-settable for select ively completing thecircuit between said source and each load circuit, said means beingsub-divided into groups, each group comprising a member individual toeach load, and means individual to each group to concurrently controlthe circuits of that group from said source to said load independentlyof any circuits in any other group.

18. A combination comprising a plurality of groups of switch means, aplurality of tric energy therefor, a common means for controlling theenergization of the switch means of each group, a plurality of loadcircuits controlled by said switch means, a common connection from eachswitch means of a plurality of groups, and a means individual to eachswitch means adapted to indicate whether actuation of its said controlmeans shall cause current flow through said switch means, the control ofa combination of load circuits by one group of switch means beingindependent of any circuits controlled by another group.

19. A combination comprising a plurality of groups of switch means, aplurality of loads to be controlled respectively by the individualswitch means of a group, means for supplying current to the said switchmeans, means individual to each switch means of each group to indicatewhether current from said source shall flow through the said switchmeans, and means to interrupt current flow through said switch meansfrom said source and to prevent the interconnection of said loadsthrough a switch group except when it is connected to said source.

20. In a theatre-lighting system, the combination with a supply circuithaving a plurality of separately operable switches and a plurality ofload circuits, of controlling devices for each of said circuits, andmeans in cluding a group of switches for each load circuit, each ofwhich is associated with a different separately operable switch forselectively controlling the connection of said source to saidcontrolling devices whereby desired combinations of said lightingcircuits may be preselected for a series of scenes and whereby thecircuits of each selected combination may be energized withoutdisturbing the adjustment for preceding or subsequent scenes.

21. In a theatre-lighting system, the combination with a plurality ofload circuits and a supply circuit having a plurality of separatelyoperable switches, of means including a plurality of switch means foreach load circuit, each of which is assocated with a differentseparately operable switch for selectively controlling the connection ofsaid supply circuit to said load circuits whereby a series of desiredcombinations of said load circuits for successive scenes may bepreselected and whereby the circuits of each of said combiload circuitto anations may be energized without disturbing the adjustment forpreceding scenes.

22. The method of illuminating with electric lamps energized by aplurality of separate load circuits, in a system having a plurality ofseparately operable control switches in commonly connected group, whichconsists in closing selected switches of each group for connecting themto selected load circuits and in separately energizing the commonconnection of each group of control switches whereby selected loadcircuits are ener ized.

23. In a theatre-lig ting system, the combination with a plurality ofload circuits and a plurality of switch means for each load circuit andhaving a common connection thereto and which may be pre-set to preparethe circuits for selective energization in predetermined groupcombinations, each com bination consisting of any desired load circuits,of a supply circuit and a separately operable supply switch for eachselected group combination which permits energization of all of theprepared circuits of the selected group when the supply switchassociated therewith is closed independent of any deenergized circuit.

24. In combination with a plurality of load circuits, a control devicefor each load circuit, a plurality of groups of switch means therefor, acommon means for controlling the energization of the switch means ineach group, a common connection from each control device to a pluralityof switch means in different groups, and a means individual to eachswitch means adapted to indicate whether actuation of its said firstsaid means shall cause current to flow through said switch.

25. In combination in a theater lightin system, a plurality of groups ofswitc means, a source of electric energy therefor, means insuring commonenergization of the closed switch means of a group, a plurality oflighting circuits controlled by the said switch means, each group ofswitch means being pre-settable to predetermine a desired combination oflighting circuits for subsequent energization without interference withthe combination preselected on another group, and a means individual toeach switch means adapted to indicate whether actuation of its saidfirst said means shall cause current flow throu h said switch means.

26. n combination in a theater lighting system, a plurality of groups ofswitch means, a source of electric energy therefor, means insuringcommon energizationof the closed switch means of a group, a plurality oflighting circuits controlled by the said switch means, and apre-settable means individual to each switch means whereby any desiredcombinations of said lighting circuits may be pre-selected for a seriesof scenes, and whereby the lightin circuits of each selected combinationmay e energized without disturbing the adjustment for preceding orsubsequent scenes and without interference, and adapted to indicatewhether actuation of its said control means shall cause current flowthrough said switch means.

27. A combination comprising a plurality of groups of switch means, asource of electric energy therefon, means insuring the commonenergization of the closed switch means of a group, a plurality of loadcircuits controlled by the said switch means, and electricallyassociated therewith to provide for the preselection of a plurality ofany desired combinations of load circuits for subsequent energization ina desired order to provide predetermined lighting effects, and a meansindividual to each switch means adapted to indicate whether actuation ofits said first said means shall cause current flow through said switchmeans.

28. In a theater lighting system, a plurality of lighting circuits, acurrent supply line, a plurality of separately operable means arrangedin groups for electrically controlling said lighting circuits, a commonconnection for the means in each group, said means being pre-settable inposition to govern the energization of selected lighting circuits topreselect desired combinations of lighting circuits for subsequentenergization, each selected combination of lighting circuits beingindependent when energized of any deenergized circuits, and energizationmeans for selectively electrically connecting in a desired order thecommon connections of the groups to the supply line to successivelyenergize different predetermined combinations of lighting circuits.

29. In a theater lighting system, a plurality of lighting circuits,current supply means, a plurality of separately operable means eachcapable of electrically controlling one of said lighting circuits, saidmeans being each pre-settable in position to govern the energization ofa lighting circuit, and a plurality of energizing means each disposed toin every instance selectively energize from said current supply meansonly a predetermined combination of said separately operable means andcause the energization of the corresponding lighting circuits to producea desired lighting effect.

30. In a theater lighting system, a plurality of lighting circuits, acurrent supply line, a pluralityof separately operable means forelectrically controlling sad lighting circuits, said means each beingpre-settable in position to electrically connect it with a lightingcircuit, whereby selected means may be preset to determine any desiredpreselected combinations of lighting circuits to provide difierentlighting effects, and a plurality of energizing means each disposed toselectively energize from said supply line a plurality of saidseparately operable means to cause in every instance energization ofonly a re selected combination of lighting circuits, the hook-up beingsuch that said energizing means may be operated individually orcontemporaneously as desired to produce any predetermined lightingeffect.

31. The method of illuminating with electric lamps arranged in aplurality of load circuits, in a system having a plurality of separatelyoperable means in commonl connected groups for electrically controllingthe load circuits, consisting of selecting any desired combinations ofsaid load circuits by pre-setting the proper means of each group, andthen energizing the common connections of as many groups as is necessaryto provide the desired combination of load circuits, and then energizingthe common connections for a difi'erent combination and deenergizingthose of the first combination not now desired, without disturbing theinitial setups of the means of each group.

32. The method of illuminating with electric lamps arranged in aplurality of separate load circuits, in a system having a. plurality ofseparately operable control switches in commonly connected groups, whichconsists in pre-selecting any desired combination of said load circuitson each group of control switches by closing certain of the switches ofeach group, and then energizing and deenergizing desired commonconnections of the groups, and subsequently energizing and deenergizingsaid common connections in a desired order without disturbing thesetting of said control switches.

33. The method of illuminating with electric lamps arranged in aplurality of load circuits, in a system having a plurality of means incommonly connected groups for electrically controlling said loadcircuits, consisting of preselecting any desired load circuits bypresetting certain of said means in each group in circuit makingposition, forming several circuits each including as many of the commongroup connections as necessary to provide the desired combinations ofload circuits, and separately energizing said last said circuits wherebypreselected lighting load combinations are energized.

34. The method of illuminating with electric lamps arranged in aplurality of lighting circuits, in a system having a plurality ofseparately operable means for electrically controlling the lightingcircuits, consisting of presetting selected ones of said means inposition to electrically control selected lighting circuits and commonlyconnecting them in different group combinations, each commonly connectedcombination controlling a predetermined lighting efi'ect made up of anydesired lighting circuits, and energizing the common connections in adesired order to produce successively predetermined lighting effects.

35. The method of illuminating with electric lamps arranged in aplurality of lighting circuits, in a system having a plurality ofseparately operable means for electrically controlling said lightingcircuits, consisting of presetting selected ones of said means inposition to electrically control selected lighting circuits, andenergizing and deenergizing in any desired order different combinationsof preset means to successively produce any desired predeterminedlighting effects.

36. The method of illuminating a theater with electric lamps arranged ina plurality of load circuits, in a. system including a plurality ofseparately operable means for electrically controlling the loadcircuits, consisting of preselecting different combinations of loadcircuits for subsequent energization by presetting certain of the meansin a plurality of said groups in circuit closing position, and thenenergizing the common connections of the groups in any desired order toprovide the desired combinations of load circuits in keeping with thescenes of a production.

37. The method of illuminating a theater with electric lamps fitted toprovide difi'erent colors and arranged in a plurality of separate loadcircuits, in a system including a plurality of separately operable meansfor electrically controlling the load circuits arranged in commonlyconnected groups and a plurality of master control means, consisting ofpreselecting a combination of load circuits for a scene by presettingcertain of the separately operable means in different groups in positionto close the circuits through corresponding load circuits in a desiredcolor, and commonly connecting the common connections of the groupshaving presetmeans to a master control, similarly setting up circuitsfor other scenes and commonly connecting the circuit combinations foreach scene to a different master control, and energizing anddeenergizing the circuits through said master controls in any desiredorder. 7

38. The method of illuminating a theater with electric lamps arranged ina plurality of separate load circuits, in a system including a pluralityof separately operable means for electrically controlling the loadcircuits arranged in commonly connected groups, consisting of presettingselected means of a plurality of groups in circuit making position topreselect desired combinations of load circuits, commonly connecting adesired number of the common group connections to preselect all loadcircuits for a. scene, similarly setting up load circuits for otherscenes, and energizing the circuits for each scene in any desired orderconsistent with the production.

39. The method of illuminating with electric lamps arranged in aplurality of load circuits, in a system having a plurality of separatelyoperable means for electrically controlling the load circuits arrangedin commonly connected groups, consisting of pre' setting selected meansof a. plurality of the groups in position for governing the energizationof selected load circuits, energizing the common connections of saidplurality of groups in any desired order to energize selectedcombinations of load circuits, and individually operating any desiredone of said means having an energized group connection to individuallvelectrically control the corresponding loa circuit.

40. The method of illuminating with electric lamps arranged in aplurality of load circuits, in -a system having a plurality ofseparately operable means in commonly connected groups for electricallycontrolling the load circuits, consisting of presetting selected meansof a plurality but not all of the groups for governing the energizationof selected load circuits to preselect desired lighting effects,energizing the common con nections of said plurality of groups in anydesired order whereby selected lighting effects may be successivelyproduced, energizing the common group connections of those groups inwhich no means were preset, and individually operating selected means onthe last said common connections to vary said preselected lightingeffects at will.

41. The method of illuminating with elec tric lamps arranged in aplurallty of load circuits, in a system having a plurality of separatelyoperable means arranged in commonly connected groups for electricallycontrolling the load circuits, consisting of presetting selected meansof" a plurality of groups in position for governing the energization ofselected load circuits, and energizing the common connections of thegroups separately or in multiples as desired wherebyselectedcombinations of load circuits may be successively energized.

42. In a theater lighting system, a plurality of lighting circuitsarranged in various colors, current supply means, a plurality ofseparately operable means for electrically controlling said lightingcircuits, said means being presettable in position to control theenergization of the lighting circuits, separately operable means forcommonly connecting preset ones of said first means in groups, eachgroup including controls for lighting circuits in desired colors, andenergizing means operable to energize the commonly connected groups ofmeans in any desired order and inde endently of any circuits on thedeenergize groups.

43. In a theater lighting system, aplurality of lighting circuits,current supply means, a. plurality of means presettable in advance inposition to govern the subsequent energization of lighting circuits, anda plurality of energizing means disposed to selectively energize fromsaid current supply means any predetermined combination of the secondsaid means and cause the energization of correspondin lighting circuitsto produce a predetermined lighting effect and to enable a plurality ofdesired predetermined lighting effects to be successively produced fromsaid circuits.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at Chicago,county of Cook, State of Illinois, this 22nd day of June, 1928.

ALBERT R. LOCKE.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Reissue No. 18,593. September 13, 1932.

ALBERT R. LOCKE.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2,line 25, for "light" read "lighting; and line 40, for "name" read"same""; page 3, line 11, for the words "of the respective sub-groups,in" read "0 controls border lights No. l; the"; line 65, for"contractor" read "contactor"; and line 115, strike out the comma after"current"; page 5, line 40, claim 10, for the words "connecting any ofsaid groups of" read "controlling the connection of said"; page 6, linesII and 12, claim 18, for "plurality of tric" read "source of electric";and line 72, claim 22, for "group" read "groups"; page 7, line 59, claim30, for "sad" read "said"; page 8, line 41, claim 37, strike out thearticle "a", and line 42, for "color" read "colors; and line 129, claim42, strike out the article "the"; and that the said Letters Patentshould be read with these corrections therein that the same may conformto the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of November, A. D. 1932.

M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

